Local Artist Archives - Doc's Castle Media

Doc’s Thumbs Up: Ashley Sierra’s Dummy Official Music Video

Lately, it’s been all about supporting and watching out for Baltimore Artist here on Doc’s Castle Media. In keeping up the momentum by sharing yet another local artist, the Doc’s Thumb’s Up for this week is Ashley Sierra’s Official Music Video for Dummy.

[Read Busting Out of the Barrel: How to Support Baltimore Artists]

Ashley Sierra was put on my radar in 2015 at the 2nd Annual Baltimore Beat Club event hosted by recording studio Line Up Room. She was one of the many freestyle artists to grace the beat club stage and leave a lasting impression. I have followed her on social media since, and look how she’s a feature on Doc’s Castle Media.

Ashley Sierra’s Dummy is a song glorifying the Baltimore slang term. The word Dummy is of authentic Baltimorean culture. It’s defined in the Urban Dictionary as a word to address someone no matter the situation. “What’s Up Dummy” is a common greeting amongst Baltimoreans. Ashley also gives plenty of examples of how the word is used in the track.

[Read How Baltimore Talks via Baltimore Sun.]

When asked where Ashley got the inspiration to create the song, she says from simply being a Baltimore native. “Dummy is a part of our slang. We say it to refer to a friend or comrade. I just wanted to introduce the world to some Baltimore culture, as well as make a visual statement about the current division in America to encourage reconciliation between America and D.O.C (descendants of slaves)” she shares with Doc’s Castle Media.

Ashley’s use of the word Dummy is catchy and captivating. Similar to her branding and artistic persona, the song gives off a “homegirl” vibe. That’s why it doesn’t come off as a surprise that Ashley’s song gives me thoughts of a friend who’s there to the end no matter what the situation or cause. A “dummy” is just that. The matter is that she’s lyrically painting her visual of comradery but also being first hand that representation, is awesome in itself.

The song Dummy, for me, is reminiscent of moments from my childhood. It makes me want to sit on my front porch similar to how I used to do in the 90s with the radio blasting and a bunch of my neighborhood friends, or shall we say “dummies,” vibing right along with me.

Dummy is from Ashley Sierra’s latest EP Noir Cycle which is available to stream and download on all major streaming services. Click here to visit her Link Tree.

Watch the official video for Dummy:

Dummy is one slang word Baltimore uses often. Can you name other popular Baltimore slang terms used as lyrics in songs? List them in the comments below.

Pharaoh Slumzyniah Produces Fire With Release of 2nd Underground Album “No Role Models, No Rules”

This week, Baltimore native Pharaoh Slumzyniah released his second underground album No Roles Models, No Rules and reveals that embracing your dark side can be quite cultivating, too. He further introduces to the world a new type of hip-hop, which he calls menace rap, a new style of music that has no regards to what society expects. It’s an album geared entirely to “not giving any f*%@s.”

No Role Models, No Rules was set to release Saturday, November 15, 2014. Unfortunately, the anticipated underground album was delayed an additional 3 days building more anticipation for Slumzy fans. But despite the contrary, the album still exceeded fans’ expectations, and has proven a bigger and better composition than his previous discography .

The album is composed of 18 somber, but still upbeat, tracks that, though may get you pondering whether you should be nodding your head or seeking to drown in your sorrows, will have you dancing nonetheless.

To name a few artists who have been featured on the Pharaoh’s new mixtape are War Drumz Audio artists FLuX, Leon Dominick, Quinn Shabaz and Based rap artists Lor Bluntz and Hazmat Caz.

Experimental sounds of dubstep, old school, westcoast, and hardcore hip-hop influenced and blended together on No Role Models No Rules to create an exquisitely composed masterpiece. Majority of the album’s producer credits comes from Pharaoh Slumzyniah, himself, as Slumzy along with Exclusive Orchestra, Def Starz, The Marvel, Clyde Strokes, Xeno Carr and other talented producers, including Baltimore and War Drumz Audio Art artist Tony Bonez Sinatra.

“Thumbs Up” Tracks

My favorite tracks on No Role Models, No Rules are “Fall of Pete” featuring Hazmat Caz and “Cypress Hill” featuring Lor Bluntz & FLuX.

“Fall of Pete” is a song that’ll place you in nostalgia of west coast rap. Do you remember Snoop Dogg’s “Who Am I (What’s My Name)?” The instrumental will have you thinking the music video should be set in a neighborhood similar to East Compton. I wonder if that’s something to look forward to from Mr. Slumzyniah, hmm?

“Cypress Hill” is a pothead’s anthem and we just don’t get enough of those, right? Depicted from three perspectives, the listener gets the inside to how the infamous Mary Jane comforts and provides remedy while they all float their way to solace on cloud nine.

No Role Models, No Rules is now available for download on Datpiff.com. Be sure to get your copy today! (CLICK THIS LINK FOR DOWNLOAD) Don’t forget to follow Pharaoh Slumzyniah’s social media at Pharaoh Slumzyniah on Facebook, Slum_Money on Instagram, and SKSlumzy on Twitter.

Do you expect to hear more from Pharaoh Slumzyniah in 2015? Leave your comments below.

Have you read our last WDAA Alert? Read Music Highlight: Quinn Shabaz ft. Jimmy Apoet & Leon Dominick on Doc’s Castle Media.

#TheMixx 2014 Recap… If You Missed It

What an electrifying Monday yesterday turned out to be as I attended The 2014 Mixx Music Festival hosted and sponsored by The Keenan System and Downtown Locker Room.

Directly across the street from Morgan State University, artists from all over the DMV area came together in live performances to wake up MSU students from their summer slumbers in preparation for tackling another school year filled with all nighters, term papers, and dreaded finals. Who’s ever ready to leave their summer freedom for that?!

There were live performances from both familiar faces and some new. But I have to say the most sensational had to be from Malik Ferraud. The party began when he brought an entourage of other local artists with him onstage to put on the best performance of the night.

Don Trunk stole the show for a little sec., too.

Lor Scoota also put on an exceptional show performing his infamous hit “Bird Flu.”

Other performers who rocked the stage last night were as follows…

Maya Milan

Dee Dave

Visto

and Pop.

For it the be the first day of school, it definitely didn’t feel like it. The energy of both the performers and the crowd was phenomenal, and at the same time quite peaceful. That’s why it’s no telling exactly why festivities were cut short by the police. This crowd, full of mature young adults, quietly and respectfully cleared the field at the request of the officials. I guess, it was too live for a Monday. But it’s looking up with great possibilities for next years Mixx Fest.

Baltimore is on the rise! People are opening up their support for local talent, don’t you think? Would you attend next years The Mixx Fest 2015? Leave your comments below.

Did you know that the Beat Auction is today? Get the details about the beat tour on Doc’s Castle Media.

Sign The Petition Against WERQ-FM’s Local Artist Airplay Time Slots

I know many may say they don’t listen to the radio anymore. But when you do want to listen to something new, what do you prefer? Do you listen to the local DJs on your cities radio station or do you listen to Spotify and Pandora? In the case of Baltimore, do you listen to 92Q or WMSK Online Radio?

I still listen to the radio. But it’s not my primary choice for new music. Whenever I feel the urge to listen to something new, I find myself running to soundcloud or YouTube rather the radio because the radio plays the same songs too often. When will the music gods ever change that? Honestly, does this city care enough to want to change how we hear new music?

We moan and groan about why our local radio stations refuse to play local artists music for our community to hear and support, but won’t make a difference about it. What’s going on here? Nothing is adding up. Someone’s making an effort, for sure. We’re just so blind to what’s happening in our community that we’ve overlook it. I’ve come across a petition,which entire purpose is to stop WERQ from playing only industry crap during the hours of 6am to 12am, and mix up the music selection with more local/independent artists during those time slots.

The Petition was created by Catherine Moran, and this woman makes a very good point for why we, as music lovers, should sign in agreement for changing when WERQ should play independent music.

Allot 1/3 of their playlist to local Baltimore artist between the hours of 8 a.m. & 6pm daily. Songs should be chosen by the people NOT the PDs, Asst PD, or DJs. There needs to be a voting poll via 3rd party site example “Polldaddy.com” where the results can be viewed by the public with real-time updates, to insure radio staff are not fooling people.

For too long our radio station has put on this front calling themselves the “People’s Station” when in fact they are not helping our “People (local talent)” at all. Every time you turn around they are creating more and more ridiculous policies to discourage artist from trying to get on radio, and justify shutting them out. This needs to end today.

VIEW THE CATHERINE’S WORLDSTARHIPHOP VIDEO & SIGN THE PETITION HERE

I already signed the petition. I want local artist to have more opportunities to shine. I want the city to be behind this because many of Baltimore residents claim there is never a time where we have a voice. If we could rally up more people to sign this petition, we face a chance in being recognized as another city full of very talented people with the potential to go as far as anyone who may come from New York, Atlanta, or Los Angeles. We can make this happen!

Do you think this petition can be the starting point for big change in the music industry? Leave you comments below.

Have you read Doc’s opinion for why she thinks Baltimore isn’t supportive their artists? Read Baltimore Is Too “Cliqued” Up To Have Supporters on Doc’s Castle Media.

Beet Trip Is The New Wave

I felt like I traveled back in time for a few hours to the 1980s yesterday, except there was a slight millennial twist in my Back To The Future moment. I attended for the first time Beet Trip, a beat and rap cypher event held at The Living Well, just few block north of Baltimore’s Station North Arts and Entertainment District. Last night’s event was Beet Trips 15th episode.

I wish I could have had the opportunity to grow up in the 80s to hear MCs battle it out in cyphers to human beat boxers. But the closest I could get to that was last night when I experience young Baltimore MCs form a circle while taking turns passing the mic to exchange freestyles to new age beats created by 3 star Bmore producers. I regret to have not grab such talented producers names or information. But I’m sure to be spotted at this event again. I definitely won’t make the same mistake. If you recognize anyone in any of these photographs, let them know that they’re now Doc’s Castle Media’s anonymous stars!

The atmosphere was, like I said, “old school with a new age twist” and the crowd was extremely exceptional for it to be held in an art gala like The Living Well. I assume Beet Trip was the absolute place to be if you’re big on attending Baltimore Hip-Hop events because I spotted plenty of familiar faces in the Baltimore Hip-Hop Scene. To name a few people:

Butch Dawson
Kaseo
Leon Dominick
FluX
Jimmy Apoet
Flaco
OG Dutch Master
Kemet Dank (aka Dank God)
Lor Bluntz
Neish of 23rd Sense
and so many more…

Beet Trip is held every first and third Thursday of the month and it’s only $3 to attend. The next episode will be June 5, 2014. Will you be there?

2443 N. Charles St.
Baltimore, MD 21218

Mixtape Review: Kaseo’s MoBettaHipHop

Today, I’m posting a Music Highlight. I haven’t done so in a while. But I want to remind people my blog is not solely a music blog. Doc’s Castle Media is a commentary blog, which means I write based off of my opinions for different events and scenarios that happen throughout everyday life. I enjoy writing about Baltimore because it’s the city in which I dwell. But Doc’s Castle Media is meant to promote productivity within my city through me writing about how I feel about what’s going on around me. I talk about music but I’m not limited to it. My blog shows for it, hence why I don’t post everyday a new song or mixtape that’s being dropped by a local musician. There are other artist, like poets, graphic designers, dancers and etc.; I’d like to write about. I’d love to give recognition to talent while also writing about my thoughts and ideas with what’s going on in the world. I hope that I’ve cleared it up for some of you.

Onward to The Music Highlight…

Kaseo is today’s star! If you didn’t already know about this guy, he recently dropped a mixtape early February that I would say has a unique sound from what I commonly hear in the streets of Baltimore. I loved it. But let’s leave the best for last here. First I’ll get you familiar with who he is.

Kaseo is a Baltimore native who has embedded within him multiple talents that helps him enhance his music career to further heights. Not only is he a musical lyricist, but he’s also a producer making hip-hop beats. But of course, it didn’t all start out as rainbows and butterflies. Kaseo started his music career when he was 12 years old playing the Casio keyboard that was a gift from his father. He started with making beats and freestyling to his creations. Once he learned he had a passion for rapping, he formed a group with his friends in high school name Music Man. Later the group’s name changed to Skyebourne Music Group.

Kaseo’s motivation to make music is to receive a feeling of liberation. In the past, he battled issues with anger and music became his outlet. He believes music is peaceful and serene. So he often writes for his release and “high.” He also creates because people are fond of what he offers. I guess, I would say I’m one of those people, now, because I can vouch that his latest creation is awesome.

MoBettaHipHop, a mixtape that has a sort of A Tribe Called Quest feel, is an awesome tape that anyone who enjoys a jazzy, but yet still rhythmic type of sound, would love to have in their iTunes collection. I downloaded it the first day it dropped and burned it to a CD so that I could have something new to drive to. One of my favorite tracks on MoBettaHipHop is Black Widow, a song of resentment for a woman who unforgivably broke a man’s heart. Kaseo gives a cruel stab back at a woman who, if anyone would hear how she treated him, deserves to reap what she sows. I thought the CD was beautifully crafted, and I definitely recommend it to my readers to take a thorough listen.

To check out Kaseo’s MoBettaHipHop mixtape, be sure to download it from Bandcamp.com, or you could just CLICK THIS LINK. Also, follow him on Twitter at @Kaseus_Clay and Instagram at @Kaseo92 for announcements of shows, albums, and mixtapes from Kaseo in the future.

Read my last Mixtape Review: Young, Wild & Reckless The Movement on Doc’s Castle Media.

Mixtape Review: Young Wild & Reckless The Movement

Hop in my car and cruise to something that has hard base. The base has to be hard enough for my windows to look like they’re shaking. That’s the type of music the world should be driving to because it wakes you up and gets pumped to tackle your day. I mean, that’s why I listen to rap when I drive. Ha-ha! If you’re the type of music listener who likes a club banger kind of sound, you’ll be missing out if you haven’t heard about Young Wild & Reckless.

Last August, they submitted a video that was featured on Doc’s Castle Media. “Like Us” now holds a position of over two thousand views, which is way more than when it was first seen on Doc’s Castle Media. Tells us that they’ve been on their grind since we’ve last heard from them. They also dropped a mixtape last year, July 26th, named Young Wild & Reckless The Movement. The tape has over a thousand views so I had to do a review as a follow-up for my viewers.

Young Wild & Reckless The Movement is a tape meant for “turning up.” Similar to “Like Us,” the tape places you into a party scene that anyone could dream of being. You’ll be ready to grab your bottles and partake in other various recreational activities as you bob you heads to the base beat I mentioned above that you’ll love. My favorite song is “Like Us,” of course, with the addition of “What I Gotta Do,” a song highlighting that getting money is something these guys have to do to keep them fly. I’m sure many people can relate to that. I also like “Hood Rich Anthem” because it gives me that image of being a “boss.” The beat does that alone but with addition of these talented artist featured on the track, they reassure that they’re coming from all over the country, and different neighborhoods, to let us know about their movement. They’re taking over with extreme BOSS behavior.

With that being said, are you ready to live Young Wild & Reckless? Make sure you download Young Wild & Reckless The Movement from Datpiff.com. It’s something worth playing at your house parties.